Determining if you or a co-owner lives with a partner

What do you need to know?

Living with a partner is defined as a conjugal relationship where two people have been living with each other on a continuous basis. Living together on a 'continuous' basis means that they have been in the same household for an extended period of time, allowing for some time that one, or both, of them may leave for things like work, family obligations, etc. A conjugal relationship is one of some permanence where an individual and their partner are interdependent – financially, socially, emotionally and physically. It does not solely mean a sexual relationship.

Why does it matter to Ownright?

To determine legal entitlement to the property in question, we ask questions to determine if purchasers have a partner, how long they have lived with that partner, and if they and their partner have a child together. These questions are all designed to determine if they are living in common law. Common law partners may have a claim to the property so if they are not going to be on title (for a purchase) or are not currently on title (for a sale), we will direct them to seek independent legal advice so their interests are considered by an unbiased party.